The XVIth OdCNP International Summer School "The End of History: Nuclear Weapons in the New Security Order"
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 10 September 2026 11:14
From August 10 to 15, 2026, with the support of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, the XVIth International Summer School, “The End of History: Nuclear Weapons in the New Security Order,” was held at the Odesa Center for Nonproliferation.
Under the roof of Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University, the OdCNP team managed to bring together a group of students from different countries, including Türkiye, Finland, Germany, Italy, and, of course, Ukraine.
Over the span of five days, participants had the opportunity to attend lectures by leading international scholars on topics such as nuclear deterrence and European security, the current state and future of the NPT regime, as well as the nuclear policies of China and Russia. The lecturers included such experts as Mariana Budjeryn, Polina Sinovets, Andreas Umland, Tong Zhao, Jennie Gromoll, Valeriia Hesse, Valeriia Gergiieva, Iryna Maksymenko, and others.
In addition to attending lectures, participants had the opportunity to take part in a simulation of the NPT Review Conference and experience what it is like to be real diplomats taking part in an international negotiation process.
The school was held in a hybrid format: participants attended lectures and took part in the simulation both online and offline. Students and young experts who were unable to visit Odesa due to the war had the opportunity to engage in the process just as actively as those who participated in person.
For another year, OdCNP continues to make efforts to foster a new, friendly generation of experts in the field of nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear security.
Participants' reviews
Artur Bilous (second-year Bachelor’s student at Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University, International Relations): “Attending the summer school was an incredibly useful and transformative experience!
It allowed me to significantly deepen my understanding of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), delve into the nuances of contemporary global security, and gain new perspectives on international diplomacy. Beyond the academic knowledge, the most valuable takeaway was the invaluable experience of international communication and cooperation. Participating in high-level debates, discussing complex positions, and developing joint resolutions together with colleagues from diverse backgrounds truly demonstrated how meaningful intercultural dialogue works in practice…”
Tetiana Sydorova (third-year Bachelor’s student at Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University, International Relations):
“My impressions of the school are wonderful. The conference featured many extremely interesting lectures by professors from different parts of the world. The participants were just as diverse — I met people from many countries and made many new connections…”
Danylo Slyvka (fourth-year Bachelor’s student at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, employee of the State Scientific and Technical Center for Nuclear and Radiation Safety): “The Odesa Summer School exceeded all my expectations. Many great new connections, interactive activities, and new information. I especially enjoyed the involvement of the international nuclear nonproliferation community in the summer school and the simulation game of the NPT Review Conference.”
Mari Puurunen (Researcher at the National Defence University of the Finnish Defence Forces): "The summer school provided me with new perspectives on themes such as deterrence, nonproliferation and arms control that I'll take home with me. Insightful lectures and inspiring discussions, accompanied by Ukrainian hospitality in Odesa truly made my summer school experience special."